CALABARZON Region (composed of the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) doesn't run out of award-winning actors and actresses in films.
Here are some of them:
Caviteno and alumnus of the De La Salle University in Dasmarinas City Christian Bables; Kawit-educated Irma Adlawan; Cavite City Pride Celeste Legaspi and a lot more.
Laguna has produced Therese Malvar (also a Batanguena), Alden Richards, Jodi Sta. Maria etc.
Batangas prides itself with Vilma Santos, Christopher de Leon, Noel Comia, Jr., among others.
Rizal Province has given the local movie industry the acting heavyweights such as Hazel Orencio, Jiro Manio, Bea Alonzo and then some more.
Quezon has a list of award-winning actors like Tommy Abuel, Rio Locsin, JM de Guzman and others.
Yes, JM, however, he was born in Manila but his parents are from Tayabas, Quezon.
JM has just won another acting award, a Best Actor plum, this time from the 2025 Sinag Maynila Film Festival for the film "Selda Tres (Cell Number 3)" directed by GB Sampedro given at the Gateway Cinema 11 in Cubao recently.
In the film, De Guzman plays Julius, a simple messenger in a law firm who later finds himself ironically incarcerated.
JM comes from a family of artists and writers.
His grandfather, Cornelio de Guzman is a highly acclaimed member of the Fourth Estate.
According to veteran entertainment news hen Alice Vergara, she used to see JM in the company of his grandpa in the newsroom.
Meanwhile, Rita Daniela clinched the Best Actress recognition for the movie "Madawag ang Landas Patungong Pag-asa" where portrays the role of an elementary school teacher who brings changes to the decadent society of a rural life.
"Madawag ang Landas Patungong Pag-asa" won the Best Film Award.
Topel Lee snagged the Best Director trophy for "Jeongbu."
The other winners for the Feature Film Category are: Best Screenplay—Eric Ramos (“Madawag Ang Landas Patungong Pag-asa”); Best Cinematography--AB Garcia (“Jeongbu”); Best Editing—Crishel Desuasido, RIP (“Jeongbu”); Best Music—Von De Guzman (“Madawag Ang Landas Patungong Pag-asa”); Best Production Design—Jay Custodio (“Madawag Ang Landas Patungong Pag-asa”); Best Sound—Fatima Nerikka Salim and Immanuel Verona (“Jeongbu”); People's Choice Award—"Selda Tres” by GB Sampedro.
Documentary Film Open Category: Best Film—Giovanni Piolo Rayle ("Oscar’s Recipe”); Jury Prize—Donnie Sacueza (“Mga Bayaning Ayta”).
Documentary Film Student Category: Best Documentary—Janno Pelias (“Sa Wakas, Kasama”); Second Best Documentary—Kyle Dexter Millave (“Pendiyente”); Third Best Documentary—Kyle Dexter Millave (“Romeo and Julie"); Special Citation—Karla Arvi Ariston (“Daungan ng mga Naghihintay”).
Short Film Open Category: Best Short Film—Daniel de la Cruz (“Ang Gadya Sang Suba (The Tale of the River Monster”); Jury Prize for Animation—JP Corton (“Nagahanaw Na Mga Aninipot (Vanishing Fireflies”). Special Citation for Best Performance--Precious Paula Nicole (winner of Drag Race Philippines Season 1) for “Lip Sync Assassin.”
Short Film Student Category: Best Film—Trinie Archie Garcia (“Taga-taga”); Jury Prize—Kristal Kaye Tagle (“Walahanon (Left)”). Special Citation for Best Performance—Phillip Altejos (“Boi”).
The three jury members for full-length films at documentaries are Zig Dulay, Baby Ruth Villarama, and Tito Valiente while jury members for short films are Rica Arevalo, Dr. Kei Tan, at Juvy Ann Clarito. The Selection Committee was composed of Valiente, Ryanne Murcia and Juliet Cuizon Licaros.
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonColumn #Imagery #RitaDaniela #JMdeGuzman